Welcome to Phnom Penh!

A mixture of Asian exotica, the famous Cambodian hospitality awaits visitors to the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Situated at the confluence of three great rivers, the ‘four arms’ of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac, form right in front of the Royal Palace. Phnom Penh is the commercial, political and cultural hub of the Kingdom and is home to over one million of the country’s estimated 11.4 million people. It is also the gateway to an exotic land….the world heritage site, the largest religious complex in the world, the temples of Angkor in the west, the beaches of the southern coast and the ethnic minorities of the northeastern provinces.

The city offers several cultural and historical attractions including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. There are also a wide variety of services including five star hotels and budget guest houses, fine international dining, sidewalk noodle shops, neighborhood pubs, international discos and more.

Phnom Penh, like other Asian-city tourist destinations, is in the midst of rapid change. Over the past few years, the number of restaurants and hotels have grown considerably and in the last year there has been a huge increase in the number of visitors. Three overland border crossings have opened since 1998 and now there are daily direct flights from several Asian cities. Even travel within the country is easier with road conditions gradually improving, several airlines flying domestic routes, and regular bus service to major cities like Sihanouk ville and Kampong Cham. Cambodia is becoming easier to visit everyday.

Independence Monument

The Independence Monument (Vimean Ekareach) was inaugurated on November 9, 1962 to celebrate the independence from the French in 1953, but now also serving as a cenotaph to Cambodia?s war dead. The 20-meter high monument was designed by Cambodian architect, Vann Molyvann, and is shaped in the form of a lotus, which also can be seen at Angkor and other Khmer historical sites. You are not allowed to enter the monument. At night it is lit with blue, red and white light (the colours of the national flag) and it should be an impressive sight - but I didn?t see it.

There is a big open park at the Independence Monument and it seems to be a popular place among the locals. Smacked right at the corner of Norodom and Sihanouk Blvd, this piece of landmark is hard to miss. I took a nice picture of this piece but be careful because it is located in the middle of a roundabout.The monument was built in 1962 to celebrate Cambodia's independence from the foreign rule. It also serves as a monument to Cambodias war dead. It is the site for celebrations and services.When walking around in the city of Phnom Penh, have a look on the Independence Monument,10 minutes walking behind the Royal Palace.

National Museum

The National Museum is home to a swag of Khmer sculpture that traces the nation's history from the pre-Angkorian age right through to the phenomenal majesty of the god-Kings of Angkor. The Royal Palace provides gorgeous examples of traditional artistry, while Tuol Sleng Museum and the killing fields of Choeung Ek speak of the horror and brutality the people of this country suffered under Khmer Rouge rule.

Wat Phnom

Phnom Penh is decidedly flat. The only rise in the landscape here is the 27-meter-high hillock that is home to the temple of Wat Phnom. The first religious building on this spot is thought to have been constructed in the 14th century and has been rebuilt several times, with the current main temple sanctuary dating from 1926.

This is one of the city's most important Buddhist temples and is often bustling with locals leaving offerings here and praying at the various shrines that surround the main sanctuary.

Address: Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh

Psar Thmei

The distinctive domed building that holds the central Psar Thmei market was built in 1937 in Art Deco style and dominates Phnom Penh's central city. There are excellent opportunities for soaking up a slice of local life here with the market's huge array of local produce on display and plenty of hustle and bustle.

Everything is sold here, from fresh fruit and vegetables to jewelry and clothing, and the market is abuzz with energy from early in the morning to early evening. It's a great place for an aimless wander, and keen photographers will find plenty of colorful scenes to capture.

Address: Street 126, Phnom Penh

Russian Market

Phnom Penh's chaotic and lively Russian Market hums with local life, and produces some great shopping opportunities as well. You'll find everything here from tacky souvenirs (much made in neighboring Thailand rather than locally produced) to beautifully-made local wooden handicrafts and Cambodian silks, along with bundles of stalls selling exceedingly cheap clothing.

This is not the place to come for some midday browsing, as temperatures skyrocket within the market, so aim for an early morning visit. The market opens for business at 6am. This is also just the place to put your haggling hat on and try out your bargaining skills. The market's real name is Psar Tuol Tom Pong, but earned its moniker due to the number of Russian foreign residents of Phnom Penh who used to shop here.

Address: Street 155, Phnom Penh

Cambodian Living Arts Performance

Traditional Khmer classical dance originated in the royal courts and wasn't introduced to the general public until the mid-1900s. Today, a number of theatrical performances can be seen in Broadway-like shows around Cambodia, where costumed dancers recreate epic poems and legends through elaborate moves.

Hotels in Phnom Penh

Penh house hotel

Penh House Hotel has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a garden and bar in Phnom Penh. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service and a tour desk. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi.The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel rooms come with a wardrobe and a private bathroom. Penh House Hotel offers a continental or à la carte breakfast.The accommodation offers a sun terrace.Popular points of interest near Penh House & Jungle Addition include Royal Palace Phnom Penh, Chaktomouk Hall and Sisowath Quay. The nearest airport is Phnom Penh International Airport, 12 km from the hotel.Daun Penh is a great choice for travellers interested in temples, museums and local food

Penh House #34A, St. 240 Sangkat Chakto Mukh, Sangkat Chakto Mukh, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, 12000, Cambodia.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Property Location
With a stay at Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, you'll be convenient to Wat Phnom and Royal Palace. This 5-star hotel is within close proximity of Central Market and Sorya Shopping Center.

Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 175 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Rooms have private balconies. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature deep soaking bathtubs and designer toiletries.

Dyvith Hotel

Located in the Sen Sok district of Phnom Penh, DYVITH HOTEL offers features an outdoor swimming pool, an in-house restaurant and a bar. Free WiFi is available in all rooms.

It is 6 km to Riverfront Park and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Chaktomuk Conference Hall 2 is 8.8 km from Dyvith Hotel. while Phnom Penh International Airport is 5 km away. Shuttle services are available at additional charges.

Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that allow plenty of natural light, air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Some units have a seating area for your convenience. Views of the pool, garden or city are featured in certain rooms. Amenities include a safety deposit box and minibar. The en suite bathroom provides free toiletries including toothpaste and toothbrush. Tea/coffee facilities and bottled water are replenished daily.

Guests can work out at the fully-equipped fitness centre or engage in a round of tennis at the outdoor tennis court. A steam room is available for guests who wish to relax after a busy day. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist with currency exchange, tour arrangements and use of meeting room facilities. There is car hire available for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.